Diane Estelle (Rigano) Morris

Diane Estelle Rigano Morris of Southbury died Saturday, September 5, 2020 at the Regional Hospice Center in Danbury, CT where she was receiving care for complications due to Alzheimer’s. The daughter of Joseph John Rigano and Ethel May Cassidy Rigano, she was raised in Larchmont, NY and at various times lived in North Carolina, Florida, New York, and Connecticut. She was 90 years old.

 She attended Bank Street College in New York and Western Connecticut State University to prepare to teach in elementary school. She had a long and distinguished career as a beloved kindergarten teacher, including a number of years as Early Childhood Director and kindergarten teacher at St. Margaret’s-McTernan School in Waterbury. Her students visited her many years after being in her class and always said she was the best teacher they ever had.

Devoted to her family and friends, she loved gatherings, especially at the beach, and was the consummate cook and hostess. She also traveled widely and had a place in her heart for all people. She is survived by her husband, Leslie Mitchell of Southbury, her son William, of Jay, NY, her daughter, Christine, of Kalispell, MT, four grandchildren, and six great grandchildren. Her first husband, William G. Morris, predeceased her in 2006.

 The family wants to express its profound gratitude for the loving care and support provided by the staff of Regional Hospice Center.

 The family will have a private interment and, later, a celebration of her life when it is safe for all to gather. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that, in loving memory of Diane Morris, donations be made to Regional Hospice Center, 30 Milestone Road, Danbury, CT 06810. The Carpino Funeral Home of Southbury has been entrusted with the arrangements. To leave a message of remembrance, please visit www.CarpinoCares.com. 

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